Carlsberg

South West Peninsula division one East

Exeter University 0

Okehampton Argyle 0

AFTER last week's thrilling 3-3 draw between these two sides at Simmons Park, this return fixture was a complete contrast with neither side able to produce many goalbound shots all afternoon.

This week however, Argyle will be disappointed with just coming away with a point as they enjoyed the majority of possession and territorial advantage, particularly in the second half.

On a bobbly windswept pitch, both sides found it difficult to put together any flowing moves although both worked hard in shutting each other down and from the start it was obvious that this was going to be a tight game with few chances.

Okehampton did start to put together some good moves towards the end of the first half and forced a series of corners, but despite the quality of these, no-one was able to apply the final touch as the corner-kicks flew across the face of the home goal.

Just before half-time, Luke Alden beat two players on the edge of the University box and fired in a low cross which Ben Williams was just unable to turn in.

The second half saw Argyle begin to dominate more but the students defended well and that last touch would still not go in for Okehampton.

Argyle's midfield of Madge, Squire, Wren and Alden had most of the play and Dave Youlden looked threatening up front, but still Oke could not test the home keeper.

With 15 minutes left, the Argyle managers showed real attacking intent to try and win the game by bringing on forward Steve Williams to replace Madge and by freshening up midfield with Rob Clarke replacing Squire.

This almost paid off immediately as Williams used his speed to burst clear of the home defence and was only denied by a brave diving save at his feet by the University keeper on the edge of the box. The ball broke loose to Will Hawking, who beat a defender before firing in a follow-up shot, but the keeper superbly got back to push this effort out for a corner.

This was a slightly disappointing result for Argyle but there is no doubt that these two teams are really well matched.

The plaudits must go to the Okehampton back four this week who hardly put a foot wrong with the stand-out player being captain James Williams.

n This Saturday in league Argyle are away to Exeter Civil Service, kick-off 2.15pm; in Devon and Exeter division four Argyle Reserves are home to Hemyock, kick-off 2.15pm.